LIC reports 18% increase in beef straws used in dairy cows this spring
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
Golden Bay farmer Corrigan Sowman was recently elected as LIC's third South Island director.
Sowman runs Uruwhenua Farms, a 400ha family owned dairy farm, and is a member of the Fonterra Sustainability Advisory Panel, a group providing independent advice to the Fonterra senior management team and board.
Sowman says it's a privilege to be elected to the LIC board.
"Dairy farmers are enjoying record milk prices and have a truly exciting opportunity to provide grass fed nutrition that the world wants."
"But it comes with new responsibilities and challenges, and I look forward to contributing to LIC as it supports farmers with science, innovation and services that meet these head on."
His election means LIC has three directors each for North Island and South Island, as voted by farmer shareholders in 2020.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
Next month, wool training will reach one of New Zealand's most remote communities, the Chatham Islands - bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to locals eager to step into the wool harvesting sector.
Farmers' health and wellbeing will take centre stage with a new hub at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.
A Mid Canterbury beef farm has unlocked a new market for its products thanks to its unusual beef breed, and an award-winning pie taking the district by storm.
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
OPINION: Is it now time for the country's top agricultural university to start thinking about a name change - something…
OPINION: If David Seymour's much-trumpeted Ministry for Regulation wants a serious job they need look no further than reviewing the…